Overview
The interaction between woodland management and other pressures on woodland, such as deer browsing and tree diseases, can affect woodland bird communities.
We are investigating the roles of deer browsing and woodland management in determining forest structure and the implications this has for woodland birds. We are also using historical information on woodland management to understand current ecology.
Our research identifies both negative and positive effects of new woodland planting on upland birds. Conifers planted on peatlands can displace breeding wading birds and reduce the quality of habitat adjacent to plantations, whereas new native woodlands planted on upland margins can provide habitat for black grouse.
Find out more about our research projects which investigate the causes of declines for wood warblers, willow tits, hawfinches, tree pipits and lesser redpolls in the UK species section.
